The UMass Dartmouth Observatory and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England (ASSNE) invite the public to an open house and night-sky viewing session at the campus Observatory on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Viewers will use the Observatory's 16-inch telescope and other telescopes operated by ASSNE members, if weather permits. If the event is cancelled, an announcement will be provided at www.assne.org or by calling 508-999-8715 for a recorded message after 5 p.m.

The observatory is in the field right of the main entrance to the campus off Old Westport Road in North Dartmouth. Parking is available on Ring Road or in lot 17. Children accompanied by adults are welcome.

Admission is free but donations are encouraged. Donations are essential to maintain the observatory and its outreach programs. For more information, or to become an individual or corporate sponsor, contact Professor Alan Hirshfeld at ahirshfeld@umassd.edu or 508-999-8715. Or visit www.umassd.edu and click on Make a Gift. Please specify “Observatory Development Fund.”

The Astronomical Society of Southern New England is a non-profit group of amateur astronomers who offer Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts outreach programs and public viewing. ASSNE volunteers assist UMass with operating the observatory and telescope. For more information about the Astronomical Society of Southern New England, check online at www.assne.org.

If you can’t make this one, other open house events will be held on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.